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SAVE MONEY WITH
MEMBER ADVANTAGE! | |
CLICK HERE
FOR A LIST OF MEMBER ADVANTAGE OPPORTUNITIES |
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OFFICE HOURS |
Monday through Thursday
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
For more information on Association Events please visit the HBAGTA website at
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | |
CLICK HERE
to view the HBAGTA Calendar
May 18, 2011
Continuing Competency for Licensed Builders
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
May 19, 2011
Parade of Homes Committee
8:00 am
May 20, 2011
Fall Protection Safety Seminar
8:00 am to 10:00 am
Budget Committee 11:00 am-1:00 pm
May 22, 2011
NMC BBQ
May 24, 2011
Protecting the Construction Site - Wastewater System Components
Webinar 8:00-10:00 am
May 25, 2011
Board of Directors Meeting
7:30 am
May 26, 2011
Cook-Out & Codes
10:00 am -1:30 pm
May 30, 2011
Memorial Day - Office Closed
June 3, 2011
Golf Outing - Lochenheath |
SAVE THE DATES
PARADE OF HOMES AND DEVELOPMENTS
June 18th to 26th
SHOWCASE OF REMODELED HOMES TOUR
October 1st & 2nd | |
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ALL MICHIGAN CONTRACTORS MUST COMPLETE COMPETENCY TRAINING BY MAY 31st
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Michigan state law requires that all contractors complete at least 3 hours of continuing competency training by May 31st in order to renew their license. The training deadline is quickly approaching and the courses are vital for license renewal. Local Home Builders Associations across the state are offering continuing competency courses to ensure all contractors are able to renew their licenses. The best learning opportunity is to attend one of these in person sessions. However, if you are unable to attend in person an online tool for completing this training will be available for a few short weeks prior to the deadline.
The Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB) has teamed up with the Michigan Propane Gas Association to present an easy to use resource to complete continuing competency training online at www.buildingmichigan.org. Participants can watch three podcasts and can print off a certification of completion at the conclusion of the videos. This documentation must be kept on file (in case of an audit) by the participant.
There is no grace period for completing this training. If you are audited and it is determined that you have not completed your continuing competency training by May 31st, you may be required to complete 60-hours of pre-licensure training before re-establishing your license.
For a complete list of courses provided by local Home Builders Associations, information regarding online training and exactly what competency requirements are needed, visit www.buildingmichigan.org. |
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BUD HIERLIHY HONORED AS "LIFETIME MEMBER"
 | | Bud & Irma Hierlihy |
Marc Burkholder, President of the Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, awarded Bud Hierlihy the distinction of "Lifetime Membership" last Monday evening at the Association's May General Membership Meeting held at Northwood Paint & Supply.
Bud, President of Vacation Home Building Company, is a Charter Member of the HBAGTA, establishing the Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area in 1970. He served as the President in 1972. He also represented the HBAGTA on the State Friends of Housing Committee and has attended numerous state and national meetings on behalf of the local organization.
Bud was recognized for his outstanding representation and contribution to the Home Building Industry.
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SUMMER CONVENTION ON ISLAND | |
MAHB's Summer Convention will be held at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island July 20-22nd. This year's focus according to the Convention Planning Committee is on "family, fun and association business". The organizers have developed a family-friendly program that includes free time to enjoy some of the island's special attractions.
For more information, or to register, go to www.buildingmichigan.org and click on the Events button. The Convention information and registration forms are also in the Spring issue of Michigan Builder magazine which was mailed in March. Additional copies are available at the HBA office.
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MEIJER DISCOUNT PROGRAM RENEWED
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MAHB's CEO, Bob Filka, recently reported that Meijer has agreed to continue the discount program for the coming year. The program provides that HBA members and staff receive $5 off every $25 purchase of general merchandise. New cards will be distributed next months and will be good from July 2011 through July 2012. |
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BUILDERS GUIDE TO APPRAISALS WEBINAR
Wednesday, June 1
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (EDT)
Major changes have occurred in appraisal standards and practices in the wake of housing and financial market turmoil. These shifts present major challenges to home builders in financing and selling their homes. A panel of home builder and appraisal practitioners will inform builders on the new appraisal rules and provide advice on what builders can do to improve the accuracy of home valuations.
This is a FREE webinar to members and HBA staff but you must still register in order to receive the login instructions. Through the registration page, select "2011 Webinar: Builders Guide to Appraisals" and add to your shopping cart.
Once you've arrived at check-out, members should enter promo code 11WWAMand HBA staff should enter promo code WWEOST. This will reduce the price to $0.
Please note: If you're an NAHB member or staff, you must be logged into www.nahb.org.
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Greetings!
Memorial Day is just around the corner and with it the commencement of the summer season in our beautiful corner of the world. One month from now, an elite group of builders and trades contractors will be putting the finishing touches on 16 fabulous homes and one outstanding development which will be showcased during our 22nd annual Parade of Homes & Developments. This year the Parade route stretches from south of Frankfort to north of Glen Lake, and south again through Leelanau and Grand Traverse Counties all the way back up to the northern tip of Old Mission Peninsula. Every home this year is a new, never-before-seen property. There are absolutely no repeats in the 2011 Parade!
What makes this event so special is that it provides an opportunity to tell the broader community about who we collectively represent and how much of an impact housing has on our region. In addition, we know that we are supporting area non-profits to whom we given back over $250,000 since the Parade's inception. These valuable organizations partner with us annually and their collective missions are promoted because of our Parade.
 Tickets are now available online at www.hbagta.com for $10 through June 17th. Once the Parade begins on June 18th, the ticket price will be $12. Tickets may also be purchased beginning the first week of June at Oleson's Food Stores, Brown Lumber, Floor Covering Brokers, Pure Water Works, Traverse Area Association of Realtors, Twin Bay Glass, Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau, TBA Credit Union branches and at the HBA office.
For those interested in getting a sneak preview of all the homes, the descriptions, renderings, floor plans and other pertinent details are all on the HBA website. We hope you'll take time to check the out in advance. And as before, as soon as the Parade Planbook is published, it too will be posted online.
Together We Are Building a Stronger Association!
Kathy Maisonville
Executive Officer
Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc.
3040 Sunset Lane
Traverse City, MI 49684
p: 231.946.2305
f: 231.946.1051
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THE CODE BOOKS ARE COMING...
Fifty additional copies of the 2009 MRC should be arriving at the HBA office this week. Already half of the order has been pre-reserved and more people are calling each day to see if they may acquire one. On the back of the license renewal application there are two questions:
1.) Have you completed your Continuing Competency? and
2.) Do you own a copy of the 2009 MRC?
Code book order forms and course registration forms are available online at www.hbagta.com. | | |
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FALL PROTECTION THIS FRIDAY | |
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 On Friday, May 20th, from 8-10 a.m., Paul Griggs of MIOSHA and Roger Papineau, will present some very important information about the new "Fall Protection" legislation which goes into effect June 16th. The course is free to HBA members and $15 for non-members. If you are a contractor who has occasion to work more than 6 feet above the natural grade, this presentation will provide you necessary information to conform to the new law. To register, CLICK HERE.
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LOCHENHEATH WELCOMES HBA JUNE 3RD | |
 While no one is promising 80 degrees and sunny, we've put our order in for sunny skies for June 3rd especially right over the classic links at Lochenheath. The HBA Golf Outing promises to be one of the best ever. It is a great way to relax with colleagues or do some informal business networking. The shotgun start is at 10 a.m. The cost for dinner and 18 holes with cart is $80 or $300 for a foursome. To reserve your spot, download a registration form online at www.hbagta.com and fax it in to the HBA office. The deadline is Friday, May 27th.
GOLF REGISTRATION FORM
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LAST CHANCE CC CLASS | |
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 By now most experienced HBA contractors are aware of their license requirement to complete 3 clock hours of Continuing Competency education. The last of our long series of seminars will be held this Wednesday, May 18th from 6-9 p.m. at the HBA office. If you have not yet taken the class, you may register online at www.hbagta.com. The cost is $59 for members and $99 for non-members. Certificates will be issued upon conclusion of the seminar. For more information, you may contact the office at 946-2305.
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PARADE JUDGING PROVIDES "REAL TIME" MARKETING
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A new approach to judging the Parade homes has been implemented for 2011. While the People's Choice will remain just that, a vote of the people, a select group of professionals will visit each of the homes on either Sunday, June 12th or Monday, June 13th. The 7 judges include an architect, Realtor, appraiser, builder/developer, kitchen & bath designer, real estate manager, and construction trades instructor.
Builders participating in the 2011 Parade of Homes will get a letter next week providing more information about the judges' visits. Each participant will have an opportunity to present information about their home and point out some of the unique features.
The judges' sheets will be tallied shortly thereafter. Award winning Parade builders will be provided certificates which identify the area of award. For example, "1st Place Kitchen Award in Homes Valued at $135-$235 K".
Sean McCardel, Board member and past People's Choice winner noted at a recent PR meeting "this is an awesome opportunity to do some real time marketing! This could prove to be a tremendous benefit." It is a diversion from past practice, but we hope that the builders will see this as an added value, not a nuisance or inconvenience. The homes don't need to be perfect during the judges' visit. The evaluators will be looking for quality design and craftsmanship, not where a piece of furniture may or may not be.
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"DO BUSINESS WITH A MEMBER"
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CHECK THE HBAGTA WEBSITE BEFORE YOU MAKE A PURCHASE to take advantage of the Member Discounts that are available to you! We now boast 17 participants that are offering discounts to our members and it's never too late to get involved!
If you would like to offer a free or discounted service or product to your HBA colleagues, please complete the application you received in the mail or print another one here. You may mail it or fax it to the HBA office. There is no charge for this opportunity.
To take advantage of these discounts simply show your current HBAGTA Membership Card to the provider at the time of purchase. |
COOK-OUT AND CODES | | |
It's "everything you ever wanted to know about . . . codes!" Perhaps that doesn't sound like a very exciting way to spend your day, but add in some delicious, fire-roasted brats, a cold soda, and some picnic fixins' and you'll fill your brain and your tummy. Roger Papineau, local resident code guru is bringing back his popular "Cook-Out and Codes" class on Thursday, May 26th from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The cost is $59 for members and $99 for non-members. To register, CLICK HERE. The deadline to reserve your spot is Monday, May 23rd. |
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TBACU SPONSORS PARADE
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 Traverse Bay Area Credit Union recently penned an agreement with the HBA to be a major sponsor of this year's Parade of Homes & Developments. In these economically challenging times, we are grateful to this HBA Member financial institution for demonstrating yet another way they support our community! On behalf of the Parade Committee and Parade builders and developers, "Thank you TBACU!"
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NMC BBQ | |
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HBA members are stepping up to the plate again this year . . . and they will be dishing it out during the 56th annual NMC barbecue scheduled for Sunday, May 22nd. This has become a tradition with the GBGT Committee which has hosted a serving line for the last five years. Tickets for this year's barbecue are still only $5 in advance and may be purchased online at www.nmc.edu/bbq or by calling 995-1020. The NMC Barbecue remains an enduring community tradition and helps provide needed funds for students and college programs. |
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DOES YOUR CONSTRUCTION SITE HAVE A SEPTIC SYSTEM?
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 Non-Profit Community Partner, WasteWater Education, and the Health Departments of Northwest Michigan, Benzie-Leelanau, and Grand Traverse County along with the HBAGTA are partnering to provide an interactive distance learning seminar, "Protecting the Construction Site- Wastewater System Components." The seminar will be presented on Tuesday, May 24th from 8-10 a.m.
Dendra Best, Executive Director of WasteWater Education noted that within "any new construction or renovation project, due care and diligence is vital to protect. . . onsite wastewater system components. . . . ". This class will cover the physical, biological and chemical media as well as provide an overview of best practices to protect construction site soils, system components and employees. In addition, local regulatory perspectives, site review procedures, permits and reporting requirements will be detailed.
The cost for the online seminar is $50 for members and $75 for non-members. Registration is available on the HBAGTA website. |
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS SELECTED |
 | | Sarah Kuhlman with Instructor Devin Hill |
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Congratulations to Samantha Stark, daughter of HBA Board Secretary, B.J. Stark for being selected as the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation/HBA Scholarship recipient for 2011. Samantha will receive $2500 to attend Michigan State this fall. She intends to pursue a degree in Construction Management.
Also, Sarah Kuhlman, a student of NMC instructor/HBA member Devin Hill, was named the NMC's "Home-in-a-Day" recipient. Ms. Kuhlman will receive $500 to assist her in completing her ASA and Carpentry Certificate program at NMC.
Both young women were recognized at the General Membership Meeting on Monday, May 9th.
 | | BJ Stark Accepting on Behalf of Daughter, Samantha |
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REMODELING OUTLOOK WEBINAR OFFERED BY NAHB MAY 26th 2:00-3:00 PM | | |
David Crowe, NAHB chief economist, and Kermit Baker, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, present the latest forecast for the remodeling market and answer questions on how to maximize remodeling market opportunities.
Help remodelers to adapt their business for the changing remodeling market, such as shifting demographics, growing niche markets, and increasing consumer interest in home remodeling.
Learning outcomes:
- To understand current remodeling trends and how they can be applied to individual markets.
- To understand how changing homeowner demographics affect the remodeling market.
- To gain a better understanding of how energy retrofit activities and aging-in-place remodeling can provide increased business opportunities for remodelers.
- Answer questions about the remodeling market.
This webinar is worth one hour of CEU credit.
Cost: Council Members $19.95, NAHB Members $24.95, Non-members $44.95.
Register now for the Remodeling Outlook Webinar at www.nahb.org/remodelingoutlook. For more information, please contact NAHB Remodelers at remodel@nahb.org.
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ARE YOU VA CERTIFIED? | | |
Jenny recently sent an email to members inquiring about who might be a VA Certified Builder. She noted a substantial response and numerous questions regarding what it is and how to participate. Noted below are a couple of links that others may find useful. One is the link which allows a search for VA Certified Builders - you can search by state or city. The second link is an overview of the program and how to qualify.
Search for a VA Certified Builder: CLICK HERE
Builder Info on VA Program: CLICK HERE |
HELP WANTED | | |
Two positions openings are posted at HBA member company Architectural Elements.
- Building Product Sales: Experience required. Must be familiar with Traverse area contractors.
- Kitchen and Bath Design Sales: This is a local company. Portfolio desired.
Send resumes to: Jim@aemichigan.com. |
MAJOR VICTORY AT STATE CAPITOL | |
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On Thursday, May 12th, a major tax overhaul package passed the Senate and was concurred in by the House, according to a report from MAHB Legislative liaisons, Dawn Crandall and Lee Schwartz. They noted, "for weeks we have been updating you on Governor Synder's reinvention of the tax code, for both businesses and individuals". "History was made . . .when the Senate passed the key reform bill (HB 4361) with a vote of 20-19 with Lt. Governor Brian Calley casting the breaking vote."
With this major overall, the Michigan Business Tax has been replaced with a 6% tax on those businesses structured as a C corporation. For business structured as S corporations, LLC's, LLP's etc., they will pay a 4.35% tax on their personal income. This eliminates the double taxation for smaller businesses.
House bill 4362 would allow companies holding certificated credits to be able to continue to file under the Michigan Business Tax should they choose to do that. HB 4362 passed the Senate with a vote of 27-10.
For more information, contact Dawn Crandall at crandall.dawn@mahb.com.
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Top
 Thank you for your membership and support of the Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc.
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SPONSORSHIPS AND ADVERTISING AVAILABLE FOR E-NEWS
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Sponsorships are available for our bi-weekly e-newsletter for $25 an issue. Get your name out in front of the HBAGTA Members and event participants. Sponsorship includes your logo prominently placed in the publication along with a link to your web site. Don't miss this unique opportunity! Sponsorships must be pre-paid. Go to your member profile to sign up for this service then send an email with your requested dates and graphic to jenny@hbagta.com.
Classified Advertising is now available. Each ad will be $10 and will be limited 30 Words and will not include graphics. Classified ads will be located at the bottom of the e-newsletter with a link in the table of contents. Go to your member profile to sign up for this service then send an email with your classified ad to jenny@hbagta.com.
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PAY ONLINE AND SAVE YOUR TIME!
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YES YOU CAN!
We are proud to announce that you can now pay your invoices and register for events on the HBAGTA web site!
It's this easy:
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Click on the "Members Only" Link on the top right hand corner of the Home Page. -
Log In with your User Name and Password.
If you haven't logged in to your account yet, your user name and password are:
User Name: First name initial with last name (jsmith)
Password: Fusion (this is a default password that should be changed.)
You won't believe what you see! Take a tour and see how much information is at your fingertips! |
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